Life is a Highway

It's been a busy start to the summer in our household!

The adventures began to get really exciting when we confirmed and planned our big move from California to Arizona!  Scott's work offered him a new opportunity in Arizona so we decided to make the leap and start a new life out there!

Here are the kiddos helping us pack up!

Before we left CA we had a big birthday to celebrate ... Eleanor turned one on June 18th!  So the weekend before we headed out, we had a big bash for her with all of our friends and family.  It was fun to celebrate with everyone just before our big move!

We did an adorable strawberry theme for our "Berry Sweet" girl!

Big brother all ready to celebrate ... in his "Most Amazing Brother Ever" T-Shirt!

Eleanor isn't so sure about her first taste of cake ...

Ryan was happy to show her how it's done!

Here we are - a berry happy bunch :)

Ryan after the party ... Safe to say he had a fantastic time!

Eleanor is one lucky little girl!

... and Ryan feels pretty lucky too!  He got a few "surprises" also!

It was quite the adventure getting out to AZ ... the kids stayed in CA with grandparents - and Scott, Grandpa John and I made the drive out in 2 days!  Grandpa John drove the 26 foot truck towing Scott's car and Scott followed us in my car.  It was quite an adventure - but thanks to Grandpa, it was extremely well planned and safe!   We were able to enjoy the sights!

All loaded and ready to go!

Rest stop ... already warm out!

Lots of open space!

Our truck driver :)

Lots of windmills out here!

Unloading in our new climate ... it's 110 degrees out!

The kids rooms are all ready ...

Our arrival in AZ was busy ... Scott and I were thankful to have the home kid-free for a few days while we settled in.  After a long week without the kids they flew out with Grandpa John and Grandma Cec.

At the airport ready to go!

Pilot Ryan ready to come home!

We were all very excited to be reunited again and the kids both love their new home!  It's been an exciting couple of months - lots of anxiety, sadness and excitement all at the same time!  This first week settled in we have been lucky to spend time with the kids and all 4 grandparents!  Here are some pictures of our adventures!

 Settling in at home ...

Enjoying a trip to the grocery store ...

Ready for a swim!

Loving the "splash pad" near our house!

Our first little "park incident" ... Ryan got stuck in this tree frame ... thankfully with a bit of help from mom and dad we got him out!

Ta-Da!  Our cautious boy is starting to enjoy climbing ...

It's a wonderful and family friendly area ... a bit of interesting climate to adjust to but we will get the hang of that soon too!

We are eager to meet with our local LPA group - they are a fantastic group and full of kids Ryan's age too!  That alone was a great reason to make the move out here!  We are also excited to get involved in our new community at Scott's work, the kids groups, schools and play groups!

... On to our next adventure!

Spring Forward!

It’s been a busy and fun winter!  Ryan and his little sister have kept busy both inside and outside the house.  They both had some great adventures with mommy and daddy and their grandparents too!

Ryan started the year out nicely by celebrating mommy’s birthday with her and Grandma and Grandpa for a lunch date! 

Someone enjoyed the stickers while he waited for his lunch …

And he also enjoyed his hamburger!  First time having a burger and it’s a hit!  Guess he’s not vegetarian like his mommy!

It was a lunch full of smiles and fun.  I could not have thought of a better way to spend my birthday!

February was an eventful month starting with Ryan’s flu bug … such a rough go, but Ryan got through it like he always does - getting through it with a smile!

Hanging in there …

Thankfully Ryan recovered in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Mommy and daddy were very lucky to get such beautiful Valentines …

… handcrafted by the cutest Valentines ever!

As usual there are lots of adventures to be had at home … here are a few from February and March!

Ryan’s gentle start to potty training … the big boy pants are making an appearance soon – he’s ready!

Eleanor loves “standing” with her big brother! 

… though it didn’t take long for Ryan to figure out how much fun it can be to spin his sister around …

Ryan loves to balance on one leg and do an “arabesque” like mommy did in her skating days!

Eleanor is trying to keep up with her big brother … she went from sitting around …

… to pulling up and standing!

Ryan loves to play with his sister … admittedly he also likes to smack her on the top of the head, but for the most part they get along great!

The one day it rained in CA, Ryan enjoyed his walk afterwards … rainy days are an entirely different world to explore!  Here we are checking out a snail who ventured out with the rainfall …

March started off with quite a big adventure!  Eleanor went off to her Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Craig’s house for a 5 night stay – and Ryan went to his Grandma Cec and Grandpa John’s for a 5 night stay when mommy and daddy went on a trip to Mexico!  Daddy won a sales award with his work and such winners get to go on a wonderful trip including their spouse or friend. 

It was a great break for us – first time away from the kids … we took advantage of the all inclusive resort best we could!  And we also got a lot of sleep :)

Ready to go … taking a red eye flight!

Here is the stunning view from our luxury hotel room!

Scott had some team building exercises during the trip … here’s his team’s sand castle!

Of course there were many happy hours had ..

At the awards night!

Eleanor had a great visit with her grandparents, auntie, uncle and cousin Alexis!  Some very cute cousins!

Ryan had a blast with his grandparents, auntie, uncle and canine cousin Freida!  They had quite a few adventures – keeping him busy and very happy!

He even went into the city for a day – had a nice visit with his Tio Sean, Tia Leslie and Cousin Fredia!  The highlight was easily the bus ride! 

Ready for a day of adventure! … he found mommy’s childhood favorite buddy!

Helping grandma and grandpa rearrange their furniture

Helping Grandpa shop at the store!

One of his day adventures … story time at the library …

Back from vacation and since the Spring-like Winter continued, Scott and I thought it was a great time to take the kids on a fun filled day trip to our local children’s park and zoo!  Eleanor enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells as we went through the park – and Ryan tried out everything he could!  It was a blast and some great time together after our separate adventures!

Ellie ready to go!

Let’s go on the carousel mom!

… we weren’t too sure at first, but it didn’t take long to find the fun in this!

Mommy and daddy were so proud of our big boy – he rode on the car ride all by himself!  Ryan’s first drive of many we are sure!

In addition to cars, trains are also a big hit around our house.  Ryan loved the Dragon Train – and so did Ellie.  We all got to ride on it together!

Ryan’s favorite animal is called a Capybara and it’s the world’s 2^nd largest rodent.   Great pick Ryan!  … although mommy admits it’s pretty cute …

The petting zoo was a fun place to be – Ryan was a little cautious but also quite curious of the roaming goats.  We checked out a few and said hello …

Ryan also wanted to help this guy with his snacking …

March ends with a tough night when Ryan had another sleep study!  Mommy and Grandma had a long night helping Ryan through – but we made it!  Hopefully we get some good data from the Z’s that Ryan was able to get!

Here we are ready with our own stickers!

Getting tired … almost time to get the doctor’s stickers …

After the long night – we made it to the morning – and Ryan is greeted with a special new toy from daddy!

It was a busy Winter full of fun and smiles!  We finish March off with Ryan’s 2 ½ year old “birthday”!  Already 2 ½ years old!  What a big boy!

… on to the next adventure!